Courtney stayed at the Springfield House twice in 2016 because she had her daughter at 32 weeks and once in 2021 when she had her son at 25 weeks. After having her first baby, Courtney learned about the House from our Hospital partner HSHS St. John's Hospital.
She loved getting to be close to her babies and not having to make a 2-hour drive but also getting to know other parents going through the same type of thing and talking with them. When asked what she was most helpful about staying at the House, Courtney said, "The most helpful thing/things were getting to be just a few minutes away from my child, and they helped provide food which meant I didn't have to come up with the money to eat. I would absolutely recommend RMHCCI! It made the scary journey a lot easier with being able to be that close to my baby. The staff treats you like family is absolutely wonderful. This House is a godsend! If I didn't have the opportunity to stay at the House, I'm not sure what I would have done. The fact it allows families to stay close to their sick kids when otherwise they would have to travel hours sometimes to get to their kids is so helpful."
Families who stay at our Springfield and Peoria Houses are never asked to pay, and they can stay for as long as needed while their child is receiving medical care.